Electric socket.



3 0 .9 l 1 2 N A ,J D E T N E T A R U D M Y E S R A Rm 6 9 l. 7 m N ELECTRIC SOCKET.

APPLICATION FILED 1'23. 10, 1902.

I0 MODEL.

iii/11m IN VEN T OR fiwf/Q WI TNESSES:

&.

TORNEY.

ALBERT P. SEYMOUR, OF SYRACUSE, NEWV YORK.

ELECTRIC SOCKET.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 719,265, dated January 27, 1903.

Application filed February 10, 1902. Serial No. 93,311. (No model.)

To all 1,071,012], it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ALBERT P. SEYMOUR, of Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga, in the State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Electric Sockets, of which the following, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a full, clear, and exact description.

My invention relates to an incandescentelectric-lamp key-socket in which the terminals, contacts, and circuit making and breaking mechanism are carried on an insulatingbasecomposed oftwo porcelain blocksinclosed within a two-part metallic shell. Its object is to produce a strong, simple, and economical socket having the terminals and contacts well supported and reinforced by the porcelain, the contacts arranged and operated to obtain a good wiping contact and a good spring break in both poles, and the key and contacts inclosed in an arcing-chamber between the blocks to prevent accidental contacts and short circuits.

My invention will be understood by reference to the drawings herewith, in which the reference letters and numerals of the specification indicate the corresponding parts of all the figures.

FigureI is avertical elevation of my socket with the outer metallic shell and circular terminal in section. Figs. II and III are respectively a top and a bottom plan with the metallic shell removed. Fig. IVis a vertical section on line IV IV of Fig. II. Fig. V is a vertical section substantially at right angles to the preceding, taken on line V V of Fig. II, showing the circuit open. Fig. VI is a similar section to Fig. V, showing the cam turned at right angles and the circuit closed and modifications in form of the contacts. Figs. VII and VIII are vertical sections, respectively, of the upper and lower blocks with the metallic parts removed on line VII VII of Fig. II. Fig. IX is a side elevation of a circular terminal with the integral contactpieces. Figs. X, XI, and XII are isometric views, respectively, of the center terminal of one contact-spring and of a grooved nut.

In the figures, A indicates the upper porcelain block, and B the lower, provided one with guide-lugs 1 and the other with corre sponding notches 2 to guide in the assembling and to maintain the blocks in proper position. These blocks are formed with corresponding depressions on their adjacent faces, making the sparking chamber 0 with the grooves 4, in which is arranged the porcelain block D, having the cam portion 5 for engaging with the springs to make and break the circuit, and the integral cylindrical portion 6 substantially fitting a bearing in the porcelain for strengthening the block, preventing twisting, &c., in use.

7 is the thumb-piece, of metal or any convenient material, on the key-shaft S, fitted to grooves 4 and carrying the cam block D, loosely connected thereto by suitable means, such as a projection on the shaft, engaging with notch 12, (shown dotted in Fig. IV,) so that the break takes place uncontrolled by the hand. Recesses 14 may be formed between the two blocks to receive inner end of thumb-piece.

Block A is provided with margin 15, extending well up within the fiber lining 16 of the brass cap 17, formed with the wire-hole l8 and connected to the cap 19 by suitable screws engaging with suitable nuts, such as the grooved nut 22, stamped from sheet metal, and at the same time formed with the thread 23 in the thickness of the metal and between the sides of the groove and retained in slots 24 by block B, so that it cannot escape. Within said margin on the upper surface of the block A in suitable depressions are arranged the wire terminals 25, provided each with a bindingscrew for the wire and connected each by a screw 26 to a contact-spring 27, having the straight portion a, the curve or bend b, and the contact end 0, by which form a compact, strong, and resilient spring is obtained to be arranged in the arcing-chamber and to extend on each side of the cam-block into the apertures 28, where they are forced strongly against the contacts 30 3O integral or suitably connected one with the center terminal 31 and the other with the circular or threaded terminal 32 by the cam turned into cross position, as shown in Fig. VI, but springing away therefrom, making a good break in each pole, as shown in Fig. V. The blocks are formed with notches or cut-outs d to receive the ends a and the heads of the securingscrews 26 and with the cross-walls e and f,

IOC

with which the ends of the cam lie in close contact, as shown in Fig. V, dividing the arcing-chamber practically into two chambers and positively separating the spring-contact, so that the danger of a spark and accidental contact is still further reduced. In case of a short circuit the arc would be broken. In Fig. VI the contacts 30 and ends 0 are substantially parallel, so that in case of wear the point of their engagement would not substantially change, which might happen with the form of parts shown in Fig. V. The center-terminal is secured in position by the short screw g, whose head is arranged in depression h in block B and circular terminal by means of two elongated screws min screwholes q engaging with flange n and also with nuts p 19, whereby the two blocks are firmly secured together and the key mechanism clamped in position between them.

I have illustrated Edison terminals; but

any other suitable form may be used in a socket of this construction. Any suitable insulating material may be used for the blocks and the cam, though porcelain from its strength, hygrometric, and insulating qualities is much the best. The shaft is not in circuit, and as the porcelain is'a non-conductor of heat as well as of electricity the thumbpiece may be made of metal, if desired.

By my invention a strong and simple socket is produced, protecting and reinforcing the metallic parts, reducing to a minimum the danger of short circuits and arcs. The springcontacts are forced into a good wiping contact, with the integral contacts on the terminals supported and reinforced against the surface of'the porcelain in the aperture, as best shown in Figs. V and VI, so that they may be made comparatively light, and when turned intothe other position a good spring break is made in each pole, and the cam-block acts as a partition dividing the arcing-chamber in two. Fiber lining is not necessary between the porcelain and the shell. Though my invention relates particularly to a keysocket, certain features thereof may be used in a keyless socket.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. Inanincandescent-lampsocket,thecombination with a base composed of two blocks of insulating material arranged in contact and having registering cavities on their juxtaposed surfaces to form an inclosing chamber for the switch mechanism, of wire terminals on the base, lamp-terminals on the base,

two similarsprings arranged within the chamber and connected respectively to the opposite poles, corresponding flattened contact-pieces connected to the respective lamp-terminals and extending upwardly adjacent to the springs in apertures formed in the lower block and fitted to rest againstthe insulating material of the block and be supported thereby when the springs are forced into engagement with them, and means simultaneously to force the springs into contact with the respective contact-pieces and simultaneously to release them therefrom.

2. In an incandescent-lamp socket,the combination with the insulating-base composed of two porcelain blocks arranged in contact and forming between them'an arcing-chamber containing the switch mechanism,oflampterminals on the lower block having integral contact-pieces extending upwardly into inclined apertures in the lower block, contactsprings supported in the arcing-chamber with downwardly-arranged tips extendinginto said respective apertures and adapted to make contact with the contact-pieces, wire terminals secured on the upper block and connected to the respective contact-springs, a shaft and thumb-piece journaled between the blocks, and a cam of insulating material mounted on the shaft and arranged between the springs whereby the springs are simultaneously forced into engagement with the integral contact-pieces or released therefrom.

3. Inanincandescent-lampsocket,thecombination with the insulating-base composed of two porcelain blocks arranged in contact and respectively provided with a notch and lug fitted thereto, on their outer surfaces, of lamp-terminals having integral contact-pieces arranged in inclined apertures in the lower block and resting against the insulating material in said apertures, contactsprings arranged in an arcing-chamber formed between the blocks and having their tips extending downwardly into said apertures adjacent to the respective contact-pieces, wire terminals secured on the upper block and connected to the respective contact-springs, a shaft and thumb-piece journaled between the blocks, and a porcelain cam loosely mounted on the shaft and arranged between the springs, whereby the springs are simultaneously forced into engagement withv the integral pieces and released therefrom.

4. In an incandescent-lamp socket, the combination with the base composed of upper and lower porcelain blocks having corresponding cavities on their j uxtaposed surfaces, forming an arcing-chamber, and with apertures for the securing-screws and the contact-pieces, of lower terminals for the lamp secured on the lower surface of the lower block, integral contact-pieces on said lower terminals eX- tending upwardly in apertures in the lower bination with the base composed of two porl dividing said cavity in two, of the lower celain blocks having cavities on their adjacent surfaces, forming a vertically-elongated sparking chamber entirely inclosed within the base, and having apertures for the contact-pieces and the connectingscrews, of lower terminals to engage with the lamp-base arranged on the lower surface of the lower block, integral contact-pieces extending upwardly from said lower terminals into apertures communicating with the arcing-chamber, elongated contact-springs arranged in the arcing-chamber having upwardly-extend ing bends and downwardly-extending tips lying adjacent to the integral contact-pieces, wire terminals arranged on the upper surface of the upper block, means for securing the wires thereto and for connecting the wire terminals to the respective springs, a rotating shaft journaled between the blocks, and a porcelain cam loosely mounted on said shaft to be turned thereby and arranged between the contact-springs.

6. In an incandescent electric socket, the combination with two blocks of insulating ma terial having corresponding cavities, forming a chamber between the blocks, lower terminals for the lamp arranged on the lower block,

contact-pieces connected to said lower terminals respectively, spring-contacts arranged in the chamber adjacent to said contactpieces, an insulating cam-block journaled between the blocks, having a cam portion arranged between the contact-springs and a reinforcing portion arranged between the blocks, connections between the contactsprings and the line-wires respectively, and means to rotate the cam-block to force the springs simultaneously into contact with the contact-pieces or to release them therefrom.

7. In anincandescent-lamp socket, the combination of an insulating-base formed of two porcelain blocks, having corresponding cavities on their adjacent surfaces forming a vertically-elongated arcing-chamber, of integral cross-walls on the respective blocks within the chamber, lower terminals arranged on the lower block, contact-pieces connected to said lower contacts respectively, contact-springs arranged within the arcing-chamber having their ends extending adjacent to said contact-pieces, and a porcelain cam-piece arranged between said springs to force them into engagementwith the contact-pieces in one position, and adapted in its other position to lie in close contact with the cross-walls, dividing the arcing'chamber substantially in two, and means extending outside of the socket to rotate the cam-block in either direction.

S. In anincandescent-lampkey-socket,having an insulating-base composed of two porcelain blocks inclosed within a metallic shell, the combination with the upper block formed J with an upwardly-extending margin on its upper face, with a cavity on its lower face, with screw-holes, and with a cross-wall block for receiving the lower terminals to engage with the lamp-terminals formed with a corresponding cavity, a cross-wall on its upper face, grooves on.its upper face forming a bearing for the key-shaft, screw-holes, and inclined cavities from said lower block-cavity to the lower face, said blocks forming a shell to inclose within them the contact making and breaking mechanism.

9. In an incandescent-electric-lamp keysocket, the combination with two porcelain blocks, having an upwardly-extending margin on the upper face of the upper block, depressions on said upper face for the wire terminals, a vertically-elongated arcing-chamber between the blocks, inclined cavities extending therefrom to the lower face of the lower block, cut-outs in the sides of the arcing-chamber, screw-holes from the cut-outs to the depressions, elongated screw-holes through the two blocks for clamping-screws, integral cross-walls across the arcing-chamber, line-wire terminals arranged in said depressions, binding-screws on theline-wire terminals, contactsprings having upwardlyextending bends and downwardly-depending tips arranged in the arcing-chamber, screws connecting and securing in position the respective wire terminals and respective springs, lower terminals to engage with the lamp, arranged on the lower face of the lower block, integral contact-pieces extending from the respective lower terminals upwardly into the inclined cavities adjacent to the tips of the contact-springs, a shaft having an exterior thu mb-piece journaled between the blocks in bearings formed in one of the blocks, a porcelain cam-piece loosely mounted on said shaft and turned thereby, said cam-piece being formed with a cam arranged between the contact-springs, and an integralreinforcing circular portion fitted to hearings in the adjacent faces of the blocks.

10. In an incandescent-lamp socket, the combination with the porcelain base, of terminals thereon for engagement with the lampterminals and for the attachment of the linewires, a metallic shell and cap inclosing the porcelain block and terminals, a lining of insulatin g material arranged within the cap and an integral margin on the upper surface of the porcelain base projecting upwardly within said lining.

11. In an incandescent-lamp socket, the combination with the base composed of two porcelain blocks arranged in contact and forming between them an arcing-chamber, of lower terminals on the lower block, having upwardly-extending contact-pieces, contactsprings arranged in the arcing chamber, means for connecting the respective line-wires to the contact-springs, a shaft and thumbpiecej ournaled between the blocks, and a porcelain cam-piece mounted on said shaft and formed of a cam arranged between the contact-springs and adapted to force them simultaneously into engagement with the contactpieces, and of an integral cylindrical portion fitted to bearings formed in the adjacent faces of the blocks.

12. In an incandescent-lamp socket, the combination with the base composed of two porcelain blocks having corresponding cavities on their juxtaposed surfaces forming an arcing-chamber inclosed by the blocks, c011- tact-springs arranged in the chamber, connections from the line-wires to the respective springs, lamp-terminals, contact-pieces extending therefrom adjacent to the springs, a shaft journaled between the blocks, a camblock loosely mounted on the shaft and composed of an oblong cam-piece arranged between the springs, and of an integral cylindrical portion fitting substantially a corresponding bearing formed partly in each block, and of means connecting the two blocks and retaining the rotating parts in position.

13. In an incandescent electric lamp socket, the combination with an insulatingbase composed of two porcelain blocks arranged in contact, lamp-terminals and wire terminals arranged on the base, suitable connections between the lamp-terminals and the wire terminals, a suitable switch mechanism having suitable moving parts arranged between the blocks and adapted to make and break the circuit, a porcelain cam-block journaled between the porcelain blocks having a cam portion arranged adjacent to said moving parts and having an integral, cylindrical, reinforcing portion fitted to a bearing formed partly in each block, and means to rotate the cam-block to make or break the circuit.

14. In an incandescent-lamp socket, the combination with the base composed of two porcelain blocks arranged in contact and forming an arcing-chamber between them, of lamp-terminals on the'lower block, wire terminals on the upper block, suitable connections between them, a suitable switch mechanism to make and break the circuit arranged Within the arcing-chamber, a metallic shell and cap inclosing the base and terminals, a lining of insulating material arranged within the cap, and an integral margin on the upper surface of the upper block extending upwardly within said lining.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name.

ALBERT P. SEYMOUR. 

